Farm hatches plan for growth with £2m funding package

An East Yorkshire farm is diversifying and expanding into the poultry industry with the support of a funding package worth £2m from HSBC UK.

Gordon and Jill Hawcroft have operated their arable farm in Holme on Spalding Moor, with assistance from their son David, for over 40 years.

With the backing of HSBC UK’s funding package, Gordon Hawcroft has constructed four contemporary, ecologically friendly poultry sheds totalling 105,000 sq ft to house more than 215,000 chickens.

These sheds have been specifically designed to be integrated into the surroundings of the farm, with the intention of causing as little impact to the environment as possible.

In spring 2020, the farm launched Forest Farm Poultry, which will sell high quality meat to new markets across the UK.

Forest Farm is expecting to create four new jobs and to increase turnover by 75% over the next 12 months.

Gordon Hawcroft said: “In farming, it’s important to be adaptable to change, which is why we’re excited to diversify the farm and try something we’ve never done before.

“We’re confident we can operate successfully in both arable and poultry farming, with the new eco-friendly poultry sheds offering a fantastic base to build a responsible business.

“It’s an exciting time for the farm and we can’t wait to showcase some incredible produce.”

Rob Mayson, agriculture relationship manager, HSBC UK, added: “Gordon’s farm in Holme spans an impressive amount of land and has been successful for many years, facing a range of challenges in this time.

“This latest investment shows the farm has all the necessary tools to create long term prosperity under family ownership. Funding this latest expansion into poultry is an exciting prospect for the business and we look forward to seeing the results.”